Herb's Introduction
Tylophora indica (Burm. f.) Merr. is an important perennial climbing herb belonging to the family Apocynaceae (formerly Asclepiadaceae, sub-family Asclepiadoideae). It is widely recognized in traditional Indian systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Siddha, primarily for its powerful effects on the respiratory system. The plant is commonly known as Indian Ipecacuanha due to its use as a substitute for the true Ipecacuanha (Carapichea ipecacuanha). It is particularly esteemed for its anti-asthmatic and expectorant properties, which have earned it the common name Asthma Kodi in certain regions. Historically, it has also been utilized for its emetic, diaphoretic, and potential anti-tumour activities. However, it is important to note that the plant contains potent alkaloids, and improper intake can lead to fatal poisoning, making its use one that requires great caution and expert guidance.
Name in Different Countries
Tylophora indica is known by various names, reflecting its wide distribution and traditional use, particularly across the Indian subcontinent. Language / Region Name(s) English Indian ipecacuanha, Emetic swallow-wort, Asthma plant Ayurveda Antrapachaka, Latakshiri, Arkaparni Unani Antamul Trade Name Antamool, Indian Ipecac Assamese Antamul (অংতমূল) Bengali Antomula (অন্তমূল) Gujarati Dum vel (દમ વેલ) Hindi Antamul (अंतमूल), Jangli pikvan (जंगली पीकवान) Kannada Adumuttadagida (ಅಡುಮುಟ್ಟದಗಿಡ), Kirumanji (ಕಿರುಮಂಜಿ) Malayalam Vallippala (വള്ളിപ്പാല) Marathi Antamul (अंतमूळ), Bedaki (बेडकी) Oriya Mehendi (ମେହେନ୍ଦି) Sanskrit Antrapachaka (अन्त्रपाचक) Tamil Kalutai-p-palai (கழுதைப்பாலை), Nay-p-palai (நாய்ப்பாலை) Telugu Mekameyani aaku (మేక మేయని ఆకు), Kondabenda (కొండబెండ) Export to Sheets The name "Nepalada baeru" (नेಪಾಳದ ಬೇರು) in Kannada translates to "Root of Nepal," suggesting a link or trade route with Nepal, although the plant is also widely found in India. Its distribution suggests it may be found in the sub-Himalayan tracts including regions that fall within Nepal's boundaries.
Terminology
The primary active constituents and traditional roles define the terminology associated with Tylophora indica: Indian Ipecacuanha: A trade and common name due to its historical use as a substitute for the powerful emetic Ipecacuanha. Emetic: Tending to cause vomiting. The plant's fresh juice has this strong effect. Expectorant: Promoting the secretion or expulsion of phlegm, mucus, or other matter from the respiratory tract. Antiasthmatic/Antiallergic: Possessing properties that counteract or relieve the symptoms of asthma and allergies. Tylophorine Alkaloids: A class of phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids (like tylophorine, tylophorinine, desmethyltylophorine, and tylophorinidine) which are the main bioactive and toxic components, responsible for its diverse pharmacological activities, including antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects.
Availability
Tylophora indica is a climbing plant found naturally in a wide geographic range, including: India: It is common in peninsular, eastern, and southern India, extending to Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, and the north-eastern states, and up to an elevation of about 1,000 meters in plains and hills. It is also found in the sub-Himalayan tract. Other Regions: Its distribution extends to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Conservation Status: Due to indiscriminate overcollection from its natural habitat, low seed germination, and high demand, the plant is sometimes listed as a threatened or vulnerable medicinal plant in some regions of India. This highlights the need for sustainable use and cultivation. Cultivation: While traditionally collected from the wild, attempts at commercial cultivation are being made using seeds, stem cuttings, and in vitro propagation techniques to meet the increasing demand in the herbal industry.
External Look
Tylophora indica (Burm. f.) Merr. is a perennial, slender, and profusely branching climber or twining herb, potentially reaching a length of 15 meters or more. Roots: Possesses a short, knotty, thick rootstock (3–4 cm) with numerous, fine, and brittle roots. The roots are used medicinally. Leaves: The leaves are ovate-oblong to elliptic-oblong, 6–11 cm long and 3.8–6 cm wide. They are thick, shining green, and leathery, with a narrow/acute tip and a heart-shaped (cordate) or rounded base. They are smooth on the upper surface but may be velvety beneath when young. They are arranged oppositely (opposite-decussate) on the stem. Flowers: Small (1–1.5 cm across), typically arranged in 2 to 3-flowered fascicles in axillary umbellate cymes. The petals are often greenish-yellow on the outside and purplish within, shaped like a five-pointed star. However, morphological variations in floral structure have been observed, including rare completely yellow hairy, more purplish, or pinkish forms with hairs on the inner side of the petals. Fruit: The fruit is a pair of striated, divaricated follicles (pods) up to 10 cm long, containing many seeds. Latex: The plant produces a watery latex.
Healing Properties
The healing properties of Tylophora indica are largely attributed to its rich content of alkaloids (phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids), flavonoids, and triterpenoids. The whole plant, especially the leaves and roots, is used for its therapeutic actions: Antiasthmatic and Expectorant: This is its most famous property. The leaves, especially when chewed, are traditionally used for immediate or chronic relief from bronchial asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough. Clinical trials have supported its moderate to complete relief of asthma symptoms. Anti-inflammatory and Antiallergic: The alkaloids, such as tylophorine, possess strong anti-inflammatory and anti-anaphylactic properties, suppressing cellular immune responses, which is beneficial in treating inflammatory conditions, allergies, and hay fever. Anti-dysenteric/Anti-diarrheal: The root and leaf powder are used for treating diarrhea and dysentery. The plant has also shown in vitro anti-amoebic activity against Entamoeba histolytica. Anticancer/Antitumor: Certain alkaloids, like tylophorinidine and desmethyltylophorine, have demonstrated cytotoxic activity and promising results against leukaemia and tumors. Immunomodulatory: The alkaloids are known to inhibit cellular immune responses, suggesting potential in managing immune-related disorders. Other Actions: It is also described as a diaphoretic (induces sweating), stomachic (aids digestion), antispasmodic, blood purifier, and a digestive stimulant.
Advantages
The key advantages of Tylophora indica as a medicinal plant include: Effective Respiratory Relief: It is considered one of the most effective traditional remedies for bronchial asthma and allergies in Ayurvedic practice, providing relief where conventional medicine may fall short for some patients. Presence of Unique Bioactive Alkaloids: The phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids (tylophorine, etc.) are highly potent compounds with well-documented pharmacological activities, including potent anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and significant cytotoxic (anticancer) potential. Traditional Validation: It is a well-established herb used by local communities and in formal traditional systems (Ayurveda, Siddha) for various ailments, with many traditional uses being supported by modern pharmacological studies. Substitute for Ipecacuanha: It serves as an indigenous substitute for the imported and expensive Ipecacuanha.
Uses
Different parts of Tylophora indica are used to treat a wide range of diseases: Asthma and Respiratory Issues: Leaves are chewed daily or leaf powder/decoction is taken for bronchial asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough. Gastrointestinal Ailments: Roots and leaves (as powder or decoction) are used for diarrhea and dysentery. Roots are used as an emetic (to induce vomiting) and digestive stimulant. Inflammatory and Allergic Conditions: Used for general inflammation, rheumatism, arthritis, hay fever, and dermatitis. Cancer: Traditional and modern research suggests its potential use against cancer and leukaemia, owing to the cytotoxic alkaloids. Infections: Used for intermittent malarial fever and in preparations for insect bites (in veterinary medicine). Body Pain: Leaf decoction is consumed for general body pain. Antidote/Hydrophobia: Roots and leaves are traditionally used in treatments for hydrophobia and as a general antidote in certain preparations.
Using Way
The method of using Tylophora indica depends on the ailment and the traditional system: For Asthma/Bronchitis: Fresh Leaf Chewing: The most cited traditional method involves chewing and swallowing one fresh leaf daily on an empty stomach for a week or more. This method is noted for providing moderate or complete relief of asthma symptoms but MUST be done under strict expert supervision due to the plant's toxicity. Leaf/Root Powder: Dried leaf or root powder is taken orally with water for respiratory and digestive issues. Decoction: A decoction (boiled extract) of the leaves can be taken for body pain. Juice: The fresh juice of any part is traditionally known to produce strong nausea and vomiting (emetic action). Paste: Leaves ground into a paste, sometimes with other ingredients like black pepper and garlic, are used externally or internally as an antidote in some folk remedies. ⚠️ Important Safety Warning: The intake of any part of Tylophora indica can cause fatal poisoning if the dosage is not strictly controlled. The drug irritates the digestive tract, and the juice produces nausea and vomiting. Due to its gross toxicity, especially of the alkaloid tylophorine, its use in humans is typically restricted or requires professional guidance, particularly in modern medicine. Self-medication with this potent herb is strongly discouraged.
Conclusion
Tylophora indica is a highly valued and potent medicinal climbing herb, deeply integrated into the traditional medical systems of India and surrounding regions like Nepal. Its immense therapeutic potential stems from a unique profile of phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids, which confer strong anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities. While it offers profound relief for chronic conditions like bronchial asthma and shows promise in modern research against cancer and inflammation, its strength is also its hazard. The plant is inherently toxic, and its use, particularly the chewing of fresh leaves, must be approached with extreme caution and only under the guidance of a qualified traditional or Ayurvedic practitioner. The growing demand and over-exploitation have also placed this valuable herb on the threatened list in several regions, necessitating urgent conservation efforts, including the development of sustainable cultivation and in vitro propagation techniques to ensure its future availability.
